“What a Dream I Had” by the Cool Ghouls is one of those songs that epitomizes the 60s’ and 70s’ inspiration that I’m shooting for in this playlist. But rather than grab inspiration from a single genre, this San Francisco alternative band packs them in — packs them all in. Or at least it feels like it.
Keeping track of the myriad of influences that fuse between original lyrics and grinding guitar riffs is a challenge in itself: West Coast harmonies launch from a British invasion liftoff, and psychedelia swirls in and out like atmosphere. From their 2014 album A Swirling Fire Burning Through The Rye, this track may have a mellower sound than more recent ones on my playlist, but that doesn’t make it any less dizzying.
It would be simple to label the song retro and move on, but there’s more to it than that. The song reminds me of a project I did in a pre-university art class, where sketches, etches, and paintings lead me to my final photography submission. Similarly, “What a Dream I Had” feels like a stroll through music that influences Cool Ghouls — and they arrive on the other side with a unique modern sound, perfect to play in your vintage Mustang.
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About the Curator - Jane Asylum
When my mother wasn’t walking around the house belting out early 60s’ girl-band lyrics, she was collecting compilation albums, specifically from K-Tel. She may not have had the most refined taste, but she enjoyed variety, or at least that’s what I recall. I poured over them all, preferring some sounds to others. And when I found the perfect song, I’d play it over and over until ready to perform my latest theatrical dance incarnation.
With my family all gathered on floral grey sofas in our basement apartment, I’d set the vinyl on the turntable of a brown fibreboard stereo and not-so-carefully lower the needle. It would pop, screech, and crackle before any music spilled from the weaved-wheat speakers. My toes would press, lift, and sweep through the blue-green shag carpet, my arms would flail, and the music would bass and treble through my soul.
I’m no longer that 6-year-old doing private-audience interpretive dance routines, but my passion remains just as intense. I have no special superpowers as a curator — just my love of sounds and lyrics that transport, transform, move, and make your body groove.
